Alix starts dancing excitedly in the passenger seat. Dane parks the car, not impressed.
When we walk in, the music is blaring, and people are dancing. Alix holds my hand on her right side and Dane’s arm on the left.
“Drinks!” Alix says, pulling us to the kitchen where bottles of alcohol sit.
I glance around, looking for familiar eyes. I see Rocky first. He has a girl on his lap. And then Scott. Westley is quiet, sipping on his beer, but I don’t see Dylan.
Alix forces a cup into my hand and says, “You promised me.”
I nod, taking the cup. I watch Dane as I take a sip. I need liquid encouragement because so far this night has been awkward. It’s not what I hoped it would be.
Dane says, “Cheers.”
“Cheers.”
I finish the entire drink in three gulps and throw my cup in the trash.
“Woo!” Alix laughs. “Someone’s getting drunk tonight!”
I laugh with her to ease my nerves. “I promised.”
Dane says, “So, Cecily, how’s college?”
I lean in so he can hear me. “It’s good. I’m making friends and––”
“Cecily!” I hear behind me. And when I turn, I see Marina with the same two girls. “Hey!” She throws her arms around me.
I greet her and her friends.
“You didn’t send that PDF over.”
“Oh my god. I’m so sorry!” I mutter as my stomach twists.Shit. I completely forgot.I think I turn bright red. “I promise. I promise I will. I completely forgot.”
Marina looks over my shoulder. “Who are your friends?”
“Oh, this is Alix. My bestie from home, and her brother, Dane.”
Marina smiles, looking at Dane. And then she turns back to me. “Have you seen Dylan?”
I shake my head.
She says, “Me either. Weird. He invited me tonight.”
I smile. “Cool. If I see him, I’ll let him know you’re here.”
She smiles, patting me on the shoulder. “Thanks.”
When she walks away, I turn to Alix and grab her drink. Alix laughs as I slurp it down. “Whoa!”
Dane says, “I see some things haven’t changed.”
I glare at him, knowing that he’s talking about high school. He keeps his eyes on mine, and I don’t feel what I once did for him.
Hmm.
Shame.
I turn to Alix, grabbing her. “Let’s go get that girl off Rocky’s lap.”
